Joe Root Breaks Alastair Cook's Record for Most Test Centuries by an Englishman

Joe Root Breaks Alastair Cook’s Record for Most Test Centuries by an Englishman

Joe Root, the enigmatic English batsman, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by surpassing Alastair Cook’s record for the most Test centuries by an English player. In the second Test against Sri Lanka at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground, Root notched up his 34th Test hundred, eclipsing Cook’s tally of 33.

Root’s century came on the third day of the match, a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional batting prowess. With a deft cut off Lahiru Kumara, he registered his 10th boundary off 111 deliveries, reaching the coveted milestone. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that Root achieved it in just 145 Test matches, while Cook required 161 Tests to reach his tally of 33 centuries.

Earlier in the match, Root had scored a magnificent 143 in the first innings, equaling Cook’s record. However, his second century of the game not only broke the record but also cemented his status as one of the most prolific batsmen in England’s Test cricket history.

Root’s seventh Test century at Lord’s also secured him the record for the most Test hundreds at the ‘Home of Cricket,’ surpassing the England duo of Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan, who each had six. In doing so, Root became only the fourth batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test at Lord’s, joining West Indies legend George Headley (1939), Gooch (1990), and Vaughan (2004).

Root’s latest hundred also elevated him to joint-sixth on the all-time list of Test century-makers, a ranking led by India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 51 centuries in 200 Tests from 1989 to 2013. At 33, Root is the only active player among the top century-makers in Test cricket history.

This achievement is a testament to Root’s unwavering consistency and exceptional batting skills. He has consistently performed at the highest level, amassing runs across different conditions and against formidable opponents. Root’s ability to adapt to different situations and play with both flair and resilience has made him one of the most respected and admired batsmen in the world.

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland in White-Ball Series Against England

Gaby Lewis, Ireland’s experienced all-rounder, will lead the team in their upcoming white-ball series against England at home. Lewis has recovered from a quad strain sustained earlier this month and will take over the captaincy from Laura Delany, who is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

Alice Tector, who made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, has earned her maiden T20I call-up. She is the sister of Ireland men’s batter Harry Tector. Una Raymond-Hoey, who missed the first T20I against Sri Lanka due to injury, has returned to both the ODI and T20I squads.

National selector Ciara O’Brien expressed disappointment over Delany’s absence but praised Lewis’s leadership qualities. “Gaby has led before in Laura’s absence. We’re very comfortable with her stepping in to lead for the England series and know that she will bring her impeccable high standards to the role,” O’Brien said.

Lewis, who scored her maiden T20I century against Sri Lanka, is Ireland’s leading run-scorer in the format and the second-most experienced player behind Delany. She captained Ireland in their historic first-ever ODI win over Sri Lanka, a series that saw Ireland earn their first points in the Women’s Championship 2022-25.

The Irish squad for the series is a young one, with an average age of less than 22 years. O’Brien urged Irish cricket fans to support the team. “This is a young side, with an average age of less than 22 years, and we hope that all Irish cricket fans to turn up and support the team,” she said.

Ireland and England will play three ODIs in Belfast before moving to Dublin for three T20Is. The ODIs are part of the Women’s Championship, while the T20Is will serve as preparation for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, will join the Test squad as a batting consultant ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Flintoff’s appointment comes as Marcus Trescothick, the current batting coach, takes a short break before assuming the role of interim white-ball head coach for the upcoming series against Australia.

Flintoff has been involved with England’s white-ball setup for the past year, including the T20 World Cup in June. However, he will not be part of Trescothick’s coaching staff for the three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia next month. Flintoff recently gained experience as a head coach with the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, where his team narrowly missed out on qualification.

Flintoff is expected to join the Test squad on Wednesday for two training days and will assist Brendon McCullum’s staff throughout the third Test. His role is short-term, and he is not expected to be involved in the winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.

Trescothick will take a few days off after the second Test at Lord’s before joining the white-ball squad ahead of the first T20I against Australia on September 11. His backroom staff will largely remain the same as Matthew Mott’s, with the addition of England Under-19s coach Michael Yardy.

Trescothick has not yet decided whether he will apply for the white-ball head coach’s role on a permanent basis. He stated, “I’m still very focused on the batting stuff with the Test team. I’m going to let this play out and see what happens for this period of time, and see how much I enjoy doing the head coach’s role and then go from there really.”

Trescothick will work alongside Jos Buttler, his former Somerset teammate, who is expected to continue as captain but may relinquish the wicketkeeping gloves in the T20Is. Trescothick said, “It’s definitely something we’ll think about, because we can try different options, give it a go for a period of time and see what reaction it has on his captaincy and on the team.”

Despite recent setbacks in World Cups, Trescothick believes England’s one-day cricket is in a good place. He added, “Jos is going to lead that forward for a period of time at the moment – and I don’t see it changing.”

Joe Root Equals Alastair Cook's England Record of 33 Test Centuries

Joe Root Equals Alastair Cook’s England Record of 33 Test Centuries

Joe Root, England’s talismanic batsman, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by equaling Alastair Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries. This remarkable achievement came during the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, a hallowed ground that has witnessed countless cricketing legends.

Root’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just 145 matches, he has matched Cook’s tally, who took 161 games to reach the same mark. This feat places Root in joint-tenth position on the all-time list of Test century-makers, alongside some of the greatest names in the sport.

What sets Root apart from his illustrious peers is his longevity and consistency. At 33 years old, he is the only active player among the top ten century-makers. This underscores his exceptional talent and his potential to further cement his place among the all-time greats.

Root’s achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering focus. He has consistently performed at the highest level, scoring runs in all conditions and against all opposition. His ability to adapt to different situations and his mastery of all aspects of batting make him a formidable force in the world of cricket.

The list of most Test centuries is dominated by legends from the past, but Root’s presence among them is a reminder that the game continues to produce exceptional players. His achievement is a source of pride for England and inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world.

England Anticipate Empty Stadiums at Women's T20 World Cup

England Anticipate Empty Stadiums at Women’s T20 World Cup

England’s Women’s T20 World Cup preparations have been thrown into disarray by the late venue change from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team is now anticipating empty stadiums and different playing conditions, but they are confident that their upcoming training camp in Abu Dhabi will help them mitigate the impact.

The ICC’s decision to move the tournament from Bangladesh due to civil unrest has forced England to adjust their plans. Captain Heather Knight acknowledges that the lack of crowds will be a significant change, as Bangladesh would have provided a more enthusiastic atmosphere. However, she emphasizes that the team’s focus should be on the World Cup itself, which should provide enough motivation.

England will play their first three matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which has a capacity of 16,000, and their final group match at the Dubai International Stadium, which can accommodate 25,000 spectators. However, neither venue has a history of attracting large crowds for women’s cricket matches.

Knight acknowledges that the lack of crowd support could affect some players, but she believes that the team needs to prepare for all possibilities. She also highlights the importance of safety and security, which were key factors in the ICC’s decision to relocate the tournament.

Despite the venue change, England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, supports the ICC’s decision. He believes that the conditions in the UAE will not be drastically different from those in Bangladesh, and that the team’s spin-heavy strategy will still be effective.

To prepare for the tournament, England will arrive in Abu Dhabi on September 13 for a three-week training camp. Lewis emphasizes the importance of this camp, as it will allow the team to practice on wickets similar to those they will encounter in the World Cup.

England’s squad remains unchanged despite the venue change. Lewis believes that the team has enough seam bowling options, despite concerns that they may be one seamer short. He also highlights the effectiveness of spin bowling in women’s cricket, which will be a key factor in the UAE.

Lauren Filer, who impressed in the Hundred, was the only player to miss out on selection. However, she will travel to Abu Dhabi for the training camp. Knight praised Filer’s performances but acknowledged that Linsey Smith’s versatility as a left-arm spinner gave her the edge.

Ollie Pope Seeks Root's Guidance on Balancing Captaincy and Batting

Ollie Pope Seeks Root’s Guidance on Balancing Captaincy and Batting

Ollie Pope, England’s stand-in captain, has sought guidance from former skipper Joe Root on balancing the demands of batting and leadership. Pope, who led England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford, struggled with the bat, scoring twice for six.

Despite the team’s success, Pope recognized the need to separate his captaincy and batting responsibilities. He turned to Root, who captained England for a record 64 Tests, for advice. Root, known for his exceptional batting skills, emphasized the importance of compartmentalizing the two roles.

“It’s about having the two things separate,” Pope said. “That’s something I’ve spoken to Joe Root about. We just spoke about how it’s more taxing in the field but it’s finding a little routine and doing small things.”

Pope acknowledged Root’s “great cricket brain” and sought his insights on managing the mental and physical demands of captaincy. Root’s experience in leading England through challenging times proved invaluable to Pope.

While England’s aggressive batting approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been successful, Pope highlighted the importance of adaptability. He praised Root’s unbeaten 62 off 128 balls in the first Test, which showcased a more measured approach on a slow pitch.

“We don’t use the term ‘Bazball’ but we played a different style of cricket (at Old Trafford) and that’s something that can keep taking us forward as a team,” Pope said.

Despite Stokes’ absence due to injury, Pope expressed confidence in his return for the upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. He believes that the break will allow Stokes to improve his game and return refreshed.

Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Bears Women

Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Bears Women

Ali Maiden, who served as England’s assistant coach during their 2017 ODI World Cup triumph, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as the inaugural head coach of Bears Women. Maiden, who has primarily worked in the men’s game in recent years, expressed his eagerness to return to the women’s game.

Maiden’s appointment at Bears Women, based at Edgbaston, will commence on November 1. He will oversee preparations for the 2025 season, when the club will compete in England’s new domestic structure for women’s cricket.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Bears Women at the start,” Maiden said. “The club’s passion for women’s cricket and their commitment to developing a successful team are evident. I’ve been seeking an opportunity to return to women’s cricket, and this role aligns perfectly with my aspirations.”

Bears Women, operated by Warwickshire, is one of eight ‘Tier 1’ sides that will participate in the new domestic structure. Laura MacLeod will serve as their director of cricket, and the club has already secured the signings of Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Chloe Brewer, Katie George, and Charis Pavely.

Maiden’s departure from Yorkshire’s men’s team marks the end of a three-year tenure, during which he played a key role in developing their batters. Colin Graves, Yorkshire’s chair, expressed his gratitude for Maiden’s contributions.

“We wish Ali all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication to Yorkshire CCC over the past three seasons,” Graves said.

Maiden’s appointment as head coach of Bears Women is a significant step in the development of women’s cricket in England. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as the club aims to establish itself as a force in the new domestic structure.

Ben Stokes on Track for Pakistan Test Return After Hamstring Recovery

Ben Stokes on Track for Pakistan Test Return After Hamstring Recovery

Ben Stokes, England’s talismanic all-rounder, is on the mend and on track to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury in time for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in October. Stokes sustained the injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred two-and-a-half weeks ago, ruling him out for the remainder of the English summer.

Despite his absence, Stokes has remained with the England squad during their ongoing series against Sri Lanka, batting in the nets at Lord’s ahead of Thursday’s second Test. England are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 2, with the first Test set to commence five days later in Multan.

A return to full fitness for Stokes would be a significant boost to England’s chances in Pakistan, where they triumphed 3-0 in their most recent tour in 2022. During that series, Stokes bowled only 35 overs due to a chronic knee injury.

Stokes expressed his eagerness to return to action, describing it as “scratching an itch.” He emphasized his gradual progress in rehab and his belief that being surrounded by the medical team would expedite his recovery.

England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, praised Stokes’s dedication and believes he will be “as fresh as anyone” heading into the winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. Pope highlighted Stokes’s ability to improve his game during injury setbacks and his positive impact on the squad.

Zak Crawley, who is also missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, visited Lord’s on Tuesday and is targeting a return for the Pakistan tour in October. Mark Wood, another injured player, has been replaced by Olly Stone in England’s XI for the second Test at Lord’s.

Pope expressed his excitement for Stone to showcase his abilities as a high-pace bowler, despite acknowledging that he may not reach Wood’s top speeds. Stokes commended Pope’s seamless transition into his interim role and enjoyed observing the team’s performance from the dressing room in Manchester.

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan, England’s former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.

Malan’s international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.

In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC’s T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men’s player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.

Despite his success in T20Is, Malan’s ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had “exceeded all expectations” in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.

Malan’s departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

Olly Stone Vows to Match Mark Wood's Pace in Lord's Test

Olly Stone Vows to Match Mark Wood’s Pace in Lord’s Test

Olly Stone, the 30-year-old left-arm fast bowler, is set to make his fourth Test appearance for England at Lord’s this week, replacing the injured Mark Wood. Stone has pledged to push his limits and match Wood’s blistering speeds, who clocked 97mph/156kph against West Indies last month.

Stone’s career has been plagued by injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for most of last season. However, he has made a strong comeback this summer, featuring in 28 matches across formats for Nottinghamshire and London Spirit.

In the absence of Wood, Stone will be tasked with providing England with short, sharp bursts of pace. “It’s been pretty frightening… the way he’s come in and bowled this summer is very exciting,” Stone said of Wood. “Hopefully, I can go out there and try to touch his speeds. He’s obviously up there with the fastest in the world so I’m not sure if I’ll match it – but I’ll give it a good shot.”

Stone made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2019, but underwent back surgery in 2021. He credits the procedure with his return to fitness and his unwavering determination to play Test cricket. “It’s the best thing I ever went in for,” he said. “Thankfully – touch wood – so far, I’ve had no recurrences with that… I’ll keep coming back for Test cricket until my body tells me otherwise.”

Stone’s selection is a testament to England’s focus on attributes over averages. National selector Luke Wright explained that Sam Cook would have been called up if Chris Woakes had been injured, but Stone’s height and left-arm angle gave him the edge over Cook.

England’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s:

1. Ben Duckett
2. Dan Lawrence
3. Ollie Pope (capt)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Jamie Smith (wk)
7. Chris Woakes
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Matthew Potts
10. Olly Stone
11. Shoaib Bashir

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